The World Heritage

The Royal Domain of Drottningholm is a well preserved palace and grounds from the 1600s and 1700s, inspired by French models such as the Chateau of Versailles.

The Chinese Pavilion and the unique Court Theatre are particularly valuable parts of the Drottningholm domain. The Theatre auditorium remains unchanged since its completion in 1766.

In 1991, Drottningholm was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List of places that are of outstanding universal value to humanity, representing the best examples of the world's cultural and natural heritage.

UNESCO inscribed Drottningholm on the World Heritage list for the following reason: The ensemble of Drottningholm – palace, theatre, Chinese pavilion and gardens – is the best example of a royal residence built in the 18th century in Sweden and is representative of all European architecture of that period, heir to the influences exerted by the Chateau of Versailles on the construction of royal residences in western, central and northern Europe.

What is World Heritage?

In order to protect the world's most valuable cultural and natural heritage the UN organisation UNESCO inscribes places or properties to the World Heritage list. Nominations must come from the country where the property is located and according to UNESCO conventions are bound to care for and preserve their world heritage sites as well as a duty to collectively support other countries with the same.

Properties inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list are of outstanding universal value to humanity, including environments, buildings and landscapes. The UNESCO convention was adopted in 1972 and Sweden signed the convention in 1984. The list includes more than 1000 objects, of which 15 are in Sweden.

A World Heritage Management Plan

In 2007 a World Heritage Management Plan was established for the Drottningholm domain, with the overriding goal to safeguard the continued universal value of the area.

The management plan states both goals for the next 5 years, and shows a future perspective for the coming 30 year period. It describes work within the areas such as protection, maintenance, visitor operation and management.

The management plan was produced within the framework for the collaboration within the Drottningholm World Heritage site and its three main actors, the National Property Board (SFV), Stiftelsen Drottningholms teatermuseum and the Drottningholm Palace administration.

In the column to the right you can download the World Heritage Management Plan.